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DIVINE  m^^^w  \ 

EASY  LANGUA^3«iii-^^ 


FOR  THE  USE  OF 


CHILDREN. 


BYI.  WATTS,  D.D. 


Out  of  the  Mouth  of  Babes  and  Sucklings  thou  hast  pcrfictid 
Praise Matt!  xxi,  16. 


TO  WHICH  ARE    ADDED, 

THE    PRINCIPLES 

CHRISTIANRELIGION, 

IN  PLAIN  AND  EASY  VERSE. 


BY  P.  DODDRIDGE,  D.  D. 


jYEIV^YORK: 

PRINTED    FOR    JOHN    TIEBOUT, 
jYo.  246  Water-Strcet\ 


By  L.  NICHOLS. 

1802, 


r\^  * 


JOHN  TIEBOUT, 

BOOKSELLER  &  STATIONER, 

NO.    246    WATER-STREET, 

Has  for  Sale,  an  excellent  assortment  of 

SCHOOL-BOOKS, 

ENTERTAINING  HISTORIES, 
NOVELS,  ROMANCES, 

£cG.   Sec.   &C. 


PREFACE. 

My  Friends, 

IT  is  an  awful  and  important  charge 
that  is  committed  to  you.  The  wisdom 
and  welfare  of  the  succeeding^ generation 
are  entrusted  with  you  beforehand,  and 
depend  much  on  your  conduct.  The  seeds 
of  misery  or  happiness  in  this  world,  and 
that  to  come,  are  oftentimes  so\vn  very 
early  ;  and,  therefore,  whatever  may  con- 
duce to  give  the  minds  of  Children  a  re- 
lish for  virtue  and  religion,  ought  in  the 
jfirst  place,  to  be  proposed  to  you. 

Verse  was  at  first  designed  for  the  ser- 
vice of  God,  though  it  hath  been  v,  retch- 
edly  abused  since.  The  antients  among 
the  Jews  and  the-  Heathens^  taught  their 
Children  and  Disciples  the  precepts  of 
morality  and  worship  in  verse.  The  chil- 
dren of  Israel  were  commanded  to  learn 
the  song  of  Moses^  Deut.  xxxi.  19.  20. 
and  we  are  directed  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, not  only  to  sing  with  grace  in  the 
heart,  but  to  teach  and  admonish  one  ano- 
ther by  Hymns  and  Songs,  Eph.  v.  19* 

The  greatest  part  of  this  little  book  was 
composed  several  yea*s  ago,  at  the  request 


iy  PREFACE, 

of  a  friend,  who  has  been  long  engaged 
in  the  v/ork  of  catechising  a  very  great 
liumber  of  Children  of  all  kinds,  and  willi 
abundant  skill  and  success.  So  that  you 
will  find  here  nothing  that  favors  of  a  par- 
ty :  the  Children  of  high  and  low  degree, 
cf  the  Church  oi  England^  or  Dissenters, 
baptised  in  infancy,  or  not,  may  all  join 
together  in  these  Songs.  And  as  I  have 
endeavored  to  sink  the  language  to  the 
level  of  a  Child's  understanding,  and  yet 
to  keep  it  (if  possible)  above  contempt :  so 
I  have  designed  to  profit  all  (if  possible) 
and  offend  none.  I  hope  the  more  gene- 
ral the  sense  is,  these  composures  may 
be  of  the  more  universal  use  andservlce- 

I  have  added  to  the  end  some  attempts 
of  Sonnets  on  Moral  Subjects^  for  Chil- 
dren with  an  air  of  pleasantry,  to  provoke 
some  fitter  pen  to  write  a  little  book  of 
them. 

May  the  Almighty  God  make  you 
faithful  in  this  important  work  of  educa- 
tion :  ma}'  he  succeed  your  cares  with  his 
abundant  grace,  that  the  rising  generation 
may  be  a  glory  and  pattern  to  the  Christi- 
an world,  and  a  blessing  to  the  earth. 


BMtegTygyBiJU'UHi 


DIVINE  SONGS, 

FOR  CHILDREN. 


SONG     I. 

A  general  Song  of  Praise  to  God, 

1  Hov/  glorious  is  our  heav'nly  King, 

Who  reigns  above  the  sky ! 
How  shall  a  child  presume  to  sing 
Kis  dreadful  majesty  ? 

2  How  great  his  pow'r  is  none  can  tell. 

Nor  think  how  large  his  grace  : 
Not  men  below,  nor  saints  that  dweH 
On  hi^h,  before  his  face. 


6  DIVINE  SONGS 

3  Not  angels  that  stand  round  the  Lord 

Can  search  his  secret  will  ; 
But  they  perform  his  heav'nly  word, 
And  sing  his  praises  still. 

4  Then  let  me  join  this  holy  train. 

And  my  first-offerings  bring  ; 
Th'  eternal  God  v/ill  not  disdain 
To  hear  an  infant  sing. 

5  My  heart  resolves,  my  tongue  obeys, 

And  angels  shall  rejoice 
To  hear  their  mighty  Maker's  praise 
Sound  from  a  feeble  voice. 

SONG     II. 

Praise  for  Creation  mid  Providence* 

1  I  SING  th'  almighty  pow'r  of  God, 

That  made  the  mountains  rise  ; 
That  spread  the  flowing  seas  abroad. 
And  built  the  lofty  skies. 

2  I  sing  the  wisdom  that  ordain'd 

The  sun  to  rule  the  day  ; 
The  moon  shines  full  at  his  command, 
And  all  the  stars  obey. 

3  I  sing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
^That  fiird  the  earth  with  food ; 

He  forrn'd  the  creatures  with  his  word, 
And  t;hen  pronounc'd  them  good. 


FOR  CHILDREN.  7 

4  Lord,  how  thy  wonders  are  displa} 'd 

Where'er  I  turn  ni}^  eye  I 
If  I  survey  the  ground  I  ti-ead, 
Or  gaze  upon  the  sky. 

5  There's  not  a  plaiit  or  flow'r  below, 

But  makes  thy  glories  knov/n  ; 
And  clouds  arise  and  tempests  blow, 
By  order  from  thy  throne. 

€  Creatures  (as  numerous  as  they  be) 
Are  subject  to  thy  care; 
There's  not  a  place  where  we  can  flee, 
But  God  is  present  there. 

7  In  heav'n  he  shines  with  beams  of  love  ! 
With  v/rath  in  hell  beneati>! 
'Tis  on  his  earth  I  stand  or  m^ove 
And  'tis  his  air  I  breathe. 

g.  His  hand  is  my  perpetual  guard, 
He  keeps  me  with  his  eye  ; 
Why  should  I  then  forget  the  Lord, 
"\Vho  is  forever  nigh  I 

SONG    IIL 

Praise  to  God  for  our  Redemptioiu 

1  BLEST  be  the  wisdom  and  the  powV, 
The  justice  and  the  grace, 
That  join'd  in  council  to  restore  * 
And  save  our  ruin'd  race. 


8  DIVINE  SONGS 

2  Our  father  eat  forbidden  fruit, 

And  from  his  glory  fell, 
And  we  his  children  thus  were  brought 
To  death  and  near  to  hell. 

3  Blest  be  the  Lord,  that  sent  his  Son 

To  take  our  flesh  and  blood. 
He  for  our  lives  gave  up  his  own, 
To  make  our  peace  with  God. 

4  He  honor'd  all  his  Father's  laws, 

Which  we  have  disobey 'd  ; 

He  bore  our  sins  upon  the  cross, 

And  our  full  ransom  paid. 

5  Behold  him  rising  from  the  grave, 

Behold  him  raised  on  high ; 
He  pleads  his  merits  there  to  save 
Transgressors  doom'd  to  die. 

6  There  on  a  glorious  throne  he  reigns. 

And,  by  his  power  divine, 
Redeems  us  from  the  slavish  chains 
Of  Satan  and  of  sin. 

7  Thence  shall  the  Lord  to  judgment  come. 

And  with  a  sov'reign  voice 
Shall  call,  and  oreak  up  every  tomb, 
While  waking  saints  rejoice. 

8  O  may  I  then  with  joy  appear 

Before  the  Judge's  face. 
And,  with  the  bless'd  ussembly  there. 
Sing  his  redeeming  grace. 


FOR  CHILDREN. 


SONG     IV. 

Praise  for  3Iercies  spiritual  and  temporal, 

1  WHENE'ER  I  take  my  walks  abroad 

How  many  poor  I  see, 
What  shall  I  render  to  my  God 
For  all  his  gifts  to  me  ! 

2  Not  more  than  others,  I  deserve, 

Yet  God  hath  given  me  more  ; 
For  I  have  food  while  others  starve, 
Or  beg  from  door  to  door. 

Z  How  many  children  in  the  street 
Half  naked  I  behold  I 
While  I  am  cloth'd  from  head  to  feet, 
And  cover'd  from  the  cold. 

4  While  some  poor  wretches  scarce  can  tell 

Where  they  may  lay  theii>head, 

A  2 


10  DIVINE  SONGS 

I  have  a  home  wRcrein  to  dwell, 
And  rest  upon  my  bed. 

5  While  others  early  learn  to  swear, 

And  curse,  and  lie,  and  steal, 
Lord,  I  am  taught  thy  name  to  feai*, 
And  do  thy  holy  will. 

6  A^e  these  thy  favors  day  by  day 

To  me  above  the  rest ; 
Then  let  me  love  thee  more  than  they, 
And  tiy  to  serve  thee  best. 

SONG    V. 

P r  ah  e  for  Birth  and  Education  in  a  Chris^ 
tlan  Land. 

1  GRE  AT  God,  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise, 
To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong ; 

I  would  begin  my  life  with  praise  ; 
Till  growing  years  improve  the  song. 

2  'Tis  to  thy  sov'reign  grace  I  owe 
That  I  was  born  on  Christian  ground. 
Where  streams  of  heavenly  mercy  flow, 
And  words  of  stVeet  salvation  sound.  % 

3  I  would  not  change  my  native  land 
For  rich  Peru,  with  all  her  gold  ; 
A  nobler  prize  lies  in  my  hand, 
Than  East  or  Western  Indies  hold. 


FOR  CHILDREN.  li 

4  How  do  I  pit}^  tho-se  that  dwell 
Vv'^here  ignoraiKe  or  darkness  reigns, 
They  know  no  heaven  they  fear  no  hell, 
Those  endless  joys,  those  endless  pains 

5  Thy  glorious  promises,  O  Lord, 
Kindle  my  hopes  and  my  desire, 
While  all  the  preachers  of  thy  word 
Warn  me  to  'scape  eternal  fire. 

6  Thy  praise  shall  still  employ  my  breath 
Since  thod  hast  mark'd   my  way   to 

heav'n  ; 
Nor  will  I  ran  the  road  to  death. 
And  waste  the  blessings  thou  hast  glv'n« 

SONG    VL 

Praise  for  the  Gospel, 

1  LORD  I  ascribe  it  to  thy  grace. 
And  not  to  chance  as  others  do, 
That  I  was  born  of  Christian  race. 
And  not  a  Heathen  or  a  Je-^v^. 

2  What  would  the  ancient  Jewish  kings. 
And  Jewish  prophets,  once  have,  giv'i;, 
Could  they  have  heard  those  glorious 

things 
Which  Christ    reveard    and   brought 
from  heav'n ! 


12  DIVINE  SONGS 

3  How  glad  the  Heathens  would  have  been 
That  worship  idols,  wood  and  stone, 
11  they  the  book  of  God  had  seen. 

Or  Jesus  and  his  gospel  known. 

4  Then  if  this  gospel  I  refuse, 
How  shall  I  e'er  lift  up  mine  eyes. 
For  all  the  Gentiles  and  the  Jews, 
Agrjnst  me  will  in  judgment  rise. 

SONG    VII. 

The  Excellency  of  the  Bible, 

1  GREAT  God,  with  wonder  and  with 

praise. 
On  all  thy  works  I  look  ; 
But  still  thy  wis-dom,   pow'r  and  grace. 
Shine  brightest  in  thy  book. 

2  The  stars  that  in  their  courses  roll 

Have  much  instruction  giv'n, 
But  thy  good  word  informs  my  soul 
How  I  may  climb  to  heav'n. 

3  The  fields  provide  me  food  and  show 

The  goodness  of  the  Lord  ; 
But  fruits  of  life  and  glory  grow 
In  thy  most  holy  word. 

4f  FIcre  are  my  choicest  treasures  hid^ 
Here  my  best  comfort  lies  ; 
Here  my  desires  are  satisfy'd. 
And  hence  my  hopes  arise. 


FOR  CHILDREN.  13 

Lord,  make  me  understand  thy  law, 

Show  what  my  faults  have  been  ; 
And  from  thy  gospel  let  me  draw 

Pardon  for  all  my  sin. 
Here  would  I  learn  how  Christ  has  dy'd 

To  save  my  soul  from  hell ; 
Not  all  the  books  on  earth  beside 

Such  heav'nly  wonders  tell. 
Then  let  me  love  my  Bible  more. 

And  take  a  fresh  delight 
By  day  to  read  these  wonders  o'er, 

And  meditate  by  night. 


SONG    viir. 

Praise  to  God  for  learning  to  Read. 
1  he  praises  of  my  tongue 
1  offer  to  the  Lord, 
That  I  was  taught,  and  learnt  so  young, 
1  o  road  his  holy  word. 


14  DIVINE  SONGS 

2  That  I  am  brought  to  know 
The  danger  I  was  in, 

By  nature  and  by  practice  too, 
A  wretched  slave  to  sin. 

5       That  I  am  led  to  see 
I  can  do  nothing  well ; 
And  whither  shall  a  sinner  flee 
To  save  himself  from  hell  ? 

4  Dear  Lord,  this  book  of  thine 
Informs  me  where  to  go 

For  grace  to  pardon  all  my  sin, 
Aftd  make  me  holy  too. 

5  Here  I  can  read  and  learn 
How  Christ,  the  Son  of  God, 

Did  vmdertake  our  great  concern, 
Our  ransom  cost  his  blood. 

5       And  nov/  he  reigns  above, 
He  sends  his  Spirit  down. 
To  show  the  wonders  of  his  love, 
And  make  his  gospel 'j^nown. 

1       O  may  that  spirit  teach. 

And  make  my  heart  receive 
Those  truths  which  all  thy  servants 
preach, 
And  all  thy  saints  believe, 

3  Then  shall  I  praise  the  Lord, 
In  a  more  cheerful  strain, 


FOR  CHILDREN.  ii 

That  I  wa^  taught  to  read  his  word, 
And  have  not  learnt  in  vain. 

S  O  N  G  IX 

The  all-seeing  God, 

1  ALMIGHTY  God,  thy  piercing  eye, 

Strikes  through  the  shades  of  night, 
And  9ur  most  secret  actions  lie 
Ail  open  to  thy  sight. 

2  There's  not  a  sin  that  wc  commit, 

Nor  wicked  word  we  say, 
But  in  thy  dreadful  book  tis  writ, 
Against  the  judgment-day. 

3  And  must  the  crimes  that  I  have  done 

Be  read  and  publish^  there  ; 
Be  all  expos'd  before  the  sun, 
While  men  and  and  angels  hearr 

4  Lord  at  thy  foot  asham'd  I  lie, 

Upv.ard  I  dare  not  look  ; 
Pardon  my  sins  before  I  die, 
i\.ndblot  them  from  thy  book. 

5  Remember  all  the  dpng  pains 

That  my  Redeemer  felt, 
And  let  his  blood  wash  out  my  stains, 
And  answer  for  my  guilt. 

6  O  may  I  now  forever  fear 

T'  indulge  a  sinful  thought, 
Since  the  great  God  can  see  and  hear, 
And  v/rites  down  ever^'  fault. 


lf>  DIVINE  SONGS 


S  O  N  G     X. 

Solsmn  Thoughts  of  God  and  Death, 

1  THERE  is  a  God  that  reigns  above, 
Loi'd  of  the  heav'ns  and  earth  and  sens 
I  fear  his  wrath,  I  ask  his  love, 

And  with  my  lips  I  sing  his  praise. 

2  There  is  a  law  which  he  has  writ, 
To  teach  us  all  what  we  iiiust  do  ; 
My  soul  to  his  commands  submit, 
For  they  are  holy,  just  and  true. 

?  There  is  a  gospel  of  rich  grace, 

Whence  sinners  all  their  comforts  dravr, 
Lord,  I  repent  and  seek  thy  face  ; 
For  I  have  often  broke  thy  lav/. 

Ai  There  is  an  hour  when  I  must  die, 
Kor  do  I  knovv  how  scon  'iwill  tcnif  : 


FOR  CHILDREN.  \r 

A  thousand  children  young  as  I 

Are  call'dby  death  to  hear  their  doom. 

Let  me  improve  the  hours  I  have, 
Before  the  day  of  grace  is  fled  ; 
There's  no  repentance  in  the  grave, 
Nor  pardons  offer'd  to  the  dead. 

Just  as  a  tree  cut  down  that  fell 
To  north  or  southward,  there  it  lies  ; 
So  man  departs  to  heav'n  or  hell, 
Fix'd  in  the  state  wherein  he  dies. 

SONG    XL 

Heaven   and   Hell, 

THERE  is  beyond  the  sky 
A  heav'n  of  joy  and  love  ; 
And  holy  children  when  they  die, 
Go  to  that  world  above. 

There  is  a  dreadful  hell. 
And  everlasting  pains  ; 
There  sinners  must  with  devils  dwell. 
In  darkness  fire  and  chains. 

Can  such  a  wretch  as  I 
Escape  this  cursed  end? 
And  may  I  hope  when'er  I  die, 
I  shall  to  heav'n  ascend  ? 

Then  will  I  read  and  pray, 
While  I  have  life  and  breathy 


18  DIVINE  SONGS 

Lest  I  should  be  cut  off  to  day, 
And  sent  t'  eternal  death. 

SONG    xir. 

The  advantages  of  earjy  Religion, 

1  HAPPY  the  child  whose  tender  years 

Receive  instructions  well ; 
Who  hates  the  sinner's  path,  and  fearg 
The  road  that  leads  to  hell. 

2  When  we  devote  our  youth  to  God, 

'Tis  pleasing  in  his  eyes  ; 
A  fiow'r  when  offered  in  the  bud, 
Is  no  vain  sacrifice. 

3  'Tis  easier  work  if  we  begin 

To  fear  the  Lord  betimes  ; 
While  sinners  that  grow  old  in  sin 
Are  harden^  in  their  crimes. 

4  'Twill  save  us  from  a  thousand  snares 

To  mind  religion  young  ; 
Grace  will  preserve  our  foU'wing  years, 
And  make  our  virtlte  strong. 

5  To  thee,  Almighty  God,  to  thee 

Our  childhood  we  resign  ; 
'Twill  please  us  to  look  back  and  see 
That  our  whole  lives  were  thine. 

6  Let  the  sweet  work  of  pray'r  and  praise 

Employ  my  youngest  breath  : 


FOR  CHILDREN.  1? 

Thu3  I'm  prepar'd  for  longer  dars 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 

SONG     XIII. 

The  danger  of  Dclai/. 

1  WHY  should  I  say,  "  Tis  yet  too  soon 

"  To    seek   for  heav'n  or  think  of 
death  ;" 
A  flow'r  may  fade  before  'tis  noon, 
And  I  this  day  may  lose  my  breath, 

2  If  this  rebellious  heart  of  mine 

Despise  the  gracious  calls  of  heav'n, 
I  may  be  harden'd  in  my  sin, 

And  never  have  repentance  giv'n. 

3  Whatif  the  Lord  grow  wrath  and  swear, 

While  I  refuse  to  read  and  pray, 
That  he'll  refuse  to  lend  an  ear 
To  all  my  groans  another  day. 

4  What  if  his  dreadful  anger  bum. 

While  I  re^e  his  offer'd  grace, 
And  all  his  1 JR  to  fury  turn, 

And  strike  m?  dead  upon  the  place. 

5  'Tis  dang'rous  to  firoYoke  a  God  ; 

His  pow'r  and  vengeance  none  can 
tell; 
One  stroke  of  his  almighty  rod 

Shall  send  young  sinners  quick  to  helL 


20  DIVINE    SONGS 

6  Then  'twill  forever  be  in  vain 

To  cry  for  pardon  and  for  grace  ; 
To  wish  I  had  my  time  again, 
Or  hope  to  see  my  maker's  face, 

SONG    XIV. 

Examples  of  early  Piety. 

1  WHAT  blest  examples  do  I  find 

Writ  in  the  word  of  truth, 
Of  children  that  begin  to  mind, 
Religion  in  their  youth  ! 

2  Jesus  ^7h'0  reigns  above  the  sky, 

And  keeps  the  world  in  awe, 
Was  once  a  child  as  young  as  I, 
And  kept  his  Father's  law. 

3  At  twelve  3^ears  old  he  talk'd  with  men, 

(Th&  Jews  all  wond'ring  stand) 
Yet  he  obev'd  his  mother  theny 
And  came  at  her  q^i^mand. 

4f  Children  a  sweet  Ho^nna  sung, 
And  bless'd  their  iSi^iour's  name, 
Thev  gave  him  honor  v. '  tli  their  tongue. 
While  Scribes  and  Priests  blaspheme. 

5  Sranuel  the  child  was  wean'd  and  bro't 
To  wait  upon  the  Lord ; 
Young  Timothy  hy  times  \vA:5.  tauglit 
To  know  his  holy  word. 


FOR  CHILDREN.  21 

6  Then  why  should  I  so  long  delay 
What  others  learnt  so  soon  I 
I  would  not  pass  another  day 
Without  this  work  begun. 

SONG     XV. 

Against  Lying. 

1  O'  TIS  a  lovely  thing  for  youth 

To  walk  betimes  in  wisdom's  way  ; 
To  fear  a  lie,  to  speak  the  truth. 
That  we  may  trust  to  all  they  say. 

2  But  liars  we  can  never  trust, 

Tho'  thev  should  speak  the  thing 
that's  true  : 
And  he  that  does  one  fault  at  first, 
And  lies  to  hide  it  makes  it  tvv  o. 

3  Have  we  not  known,  norheard,  nor  read 

How  God  abhors  deceit  and  v/rong? 
How  Annanias  was  struck  dead. 
Caught  witlf*»lie  upon  his  tongue  I 

4  So  did  his  wife  Sapphira  die, 

V/hen  she  came  in  anjd  grev/  so  bold, 
As  to  confirm  that  wicked  lie, 

That  just  before  her  husband  told. 

5^The  Lord  delights  in  them  that  speak 
'•  •   The  words  of  trutlvj.  but  ev^y  lyar 
Must  have  his  portion  in  the  lake 
That  burns  with  brimstone  &:  with  fire. 


22 


DIVINE  SONGS 

Then  let  me  always  watch  my  lips^ 
Lest  I  be  struck  ta  death  and  hell. 

Since  God  a  book  of  reckoning  keeps. 
For  ev'ry  lie  that  children  telL 


SONG     XVI. 

Agahist  ^larrelling  and  Fighting* 

1   LET  dogs  delight  to  bark  and  bite^ 
For  God  hath  made  them  so; 
L  et  bears  and  lions  growl  and  fight. 
For  tis  their  nature  too. 

-'   But,  children,  you  should  never  let 
Such^ngry  passions  rise ; 
Your  little  hands  wers  never  made 
To  tear  each  other's. eyes. 

>  Let  love  through  all  your  actions  run, 
And  all  vour  works  be  mild; 


FOR  CHILDREN.  2  3 

Live  like  the  blessed  Virgin's  Son, 
That  sweet  and  lovely  child. 

4  His  soul  was  gentle  as  a  Iamb ; 

And  as  his  stature  grew, 
He  grew  in  favor  both  with  maa 
And  God  his  father  too. 

5  Now  Lord  of  all  he  reigns  above, 

And  from  his  heav'nly  throne. 
He  sees  what  children  dwell  in  love,^ 
And  marks  them  for  his  own. 

SONG     XVIL 

Lo^e  between  Brothers  and  Sisters. 

IWH  ATE  VE  R  brawls  disturb  the  stre  et 
There  should  be  peace  at  home, 
Where  sisters  dwell,  and  brothers  meet, 
Quarrels  should  never  come, 

2  Birds  in  their  little  nests  agree ; 

And 'tis  a  shameful  sight. 
When  children  of  one  family 
Fall  out,  and  chide  and  light. 

3  Hard  names  at  first,  and  threatening 

words, 
That  arc  but  noisy  breath, 
jVIaygrowto  clubs  and  naked  swords, 
To  murder  and  to  deati^. 


24  DIVINE  SONGS 

4  The  devil  tempts  one  mother's  soa 

To  rage  against  another: 
So  wicked  Cain  was  hurried  on 
Till  he  had  kiU'dhis  brother. 

5  The  wise  will  make  their  anger  cool, 

At  least  beforfe  'tis  night ; 
But  in  the  bosom  of  a  fool 
It  burns  till  morning  light. 

6  Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  childish  rage, 

Our  little  brawls  remove  ; 
That  as  we  grow  to  riper  age, 
Our  hearts  may  all  be  love. 

SONG     XVIII. 

Against  Scoffing  and  calling  Names. 

1  OUR  tongues  were  made  to  bless  the 

And  not  speak  ill  of  men ;       [Lord, 
When  others  give  a  railing  word, 
We  must  not  rail  again. 

2  Cross  words  and  angry  names  require 

To  be  chastis'd  at  school ; 

And  he^s  in  danger  of  hell-fire, 

That  calls  his  brother  fool. 

3  But  lips  that  dare  be  so  profane, 

To  mock,  and  jeer,  ar:l  scoff 
At  holy  things,  or  holy  men. 
The  Lord  shall  cut  them  off. 


FOR  CHILDREN.  25 

4  When  Children  in  their  wanton  play, 

Serv'd  old  Elisha  so, 
And  bid  the  prophet  go  his  way, 
"  Go  up,  thou  bald-head,  go." 

5  God  quickly  stop  their  wicked  breath, 

And  sent  two  raging  bears, 
That  tore  them  limb    from  Ujnb    to 
death, 
With  blood,  and  groans,   and  tears-. 

6  Great  God,  how  terrible  art  thou  ! 

To  sinners  e'er  so  young  1 
Grant  me  thy  grace,  and  teach  me  how 
To  tame  and  rule  my  tongue. 

SONG     XIX. 

Against  Sxvearing^  and  Cursings  andtakkig 
God'^s  narp-e  in  vniru 

1  ANGELS,  that  high  in  glory  dwell,: 

Adore  thy  name,  Almighty  God  I 
And  devils  tremble  down  to  hell, 
Beneath  the  terrors  of  thy  rod. 

2  And  yet  how  wicked  children  dare- 

Abuse  thy  dreadful  glorious  nixme  ! 
And  when  they're  angry  how  they  svf  ear. 
And  curse  their  fellows,  and  blas- 
pheme I 
^  How  \vill  they  stand  before  thy  face, 
Who  treated  thee  with  such  disdain, 
B 


26  DIVINE  SONGS 

While  thou  shalt  doom  them  to  the  place 
Of  everlasting  fire  and  pain  ! 
4-  There  never  shall  one  cooling  drop^ 
To  quench  their  burning  tongues 
be  giv'n  ; 
But  I  will  praise  thee  here,  and  hope 
Thus  to  employ  my  tongue  in  heav'n. 

5  My  heart  shall  be  in  pain  to  hear 

Wretches  affront  the  Lord  above  : 
'Tis  that  great  God  whose  pow'r  I  fear 
That  heav'nly  Father  whom  I  love, 

6  If  my  companions  grow  profane, 

I'll  quit  their  friendship  when  I  hear 

Young  sinners  take  thy  name  in  vain, 

And  learn  to  curse,  and  learn  to  swear. 

S  O  N  G     XX. 

Ag(iinst  Idleness  and  Mischief* 

1  HOW  doth  the  little  busy  bee 

Improve  each  shining  hour, 
And  gather  honey  all  the  day 
From  ev'ry  op'ning  flow'r  '. 

2  How  skilfully  she  builds  her  cell  I 

How  neat  she  spreads  the  wax  ! 
And  labours  hard  to  store  it  well 
With  the  sweet  food  she  makes. 

3  In  works  of  labor,  or  of  skill, 

I  would  be  busy  too  ; 


FOR  CHILDREN,  27 

For  Satim  finds  some  mischief  still 
For  idle  hands  to  do. 

4  In  books,  or  works,  or  healthful  play, 
Let  my  first  years  be  past ; 
That  I  may  give  for  ev'ry  day 
Some  good  account  at  last. 

SONG     XXL 

Against  Evil  Company. 

1  WHY  should  I  join  with  those  in  play, 

In  whom  I've  no  delight 
Who  curse  and  svv^ear,  but  never  pray  ; 
Who  call  ill-names  and  fight  t 

2  I  hate  to  hear  a  wanton  song, 

Their  words  offend  my  ears  ; 

I  should  not  dare  defile  my  tongue 

With  language  such  as  theirs. 

3  Away  from  fools  I'll  turn  my  eyes, 

Nor  with  the  scoffers  go  : 
I  would  be  walking  with  the  wise. 
That  wiser  I  may  grow. 

4  From  one  rude  boy  that  us'd  to  mock. 

They  learn  the  wicked  jest, 
One  sickly  sheep  infects  the  flock, 
And  poisons  all  the  rest. 

5  My  God  I  hate  to  walk  or  dwell 

With  sinful  children  here  ; 


28  DIVINE  SONGS 

Then  let  me  not  b^  sent  to  hell, 
Where  none  but  sinners  are. 

SONG     XXII. 

Against  Pride  in  Clothes , 

1  Why  should  our  garments  (made  to  hide 
Our  parents  shame)provoke  our  pride? 
The  art  of  dress  did  ne'er  begin, 
Till  Eve  our  mother  learnt  to  sin. 

2  When  first  she  put  the  covVing  on, 
Her  robe  of  innocence  was  gone, 
And  yet  her  children  vainly  boast 
In  the  sad  marks  of  glory  lost. 

3  How  proud  we  are !  how  fond  to  show 
Our  clothes,  and  call  them  rich  and  new! 
When  the  poor  sheep  and  silk wormwore 

That  very  clopvthing  long  before. 

4  The  tulip  and  the  butterfly 
Appear  in  gayer  coats  than  I  ; 
Let  me  be  drest  fine  as  I  will, 
Fliesjwormsandflow'rs  exceed  me  still. 

5  Then  will  I  set  my  heart  to  find 
Inward  adornings  of  the  mind  j 
Knowledge  and  virtue,  truth  :ind  grace, 
These  are  ^he  robes  of  richest  dress. 

6  No  more  shall  worms  with  me  compare  j 
This  is  the  raiment  Angels  wear : 


FOR  CHILDREN.  29 

The  Son  of  God  when  here  below, 
Put  on  his  blest  apparel  too. 

7  It  never  fades,  it  ne'er  grows  old. 
Nor  fears,  the  rain,  nor  moth,nor  mold  ; 
It  takes  no  spot,  but  still  refines. 
The  more 'tis  worn,  the  more  it  shines. 

S  In  this  on  earth  would  I  appear. 
Then  go  to  heav'n  and  wear  it  there  ; 
God  will  approve  it  in  his  sight ; 
'Tis  his  own  work  and  his  delight. 

SONG     XXIII. 

Obedience  to  Parents.. 
t  LET  children  that  would  fear  the  Lord, 
Hear  what  their  teachers  say  ; 
With  rev'rence  meet  their  parents  Vord 
And  with  delight  obey.. 

2  Have  ye  notheard  what  dreadful  plagues 

Are  threaten'd  by  the  Lord, 
To  him  that  breaks  his  father's  law, 
Or  mocks  his  motlier's  word  1 

3  What  heavy  guilt  upon  him  lies  ! 

How  cursed  is  his  name  I 
The  ravens  shall  pick  out  his  eyes, 
And  eagels  eat  the  same. 

4  But  those  who  worship  God,  and  give 

Their  parents  honor  due, 


30  DIVINE  SONGS 

Hei-e  on  this  earth  they  longshalllivc, 
And  live  hereafter  too. 

SONG     XXIV. 

The   ChilcVs  Complaint. 

1  AVH  Y  should  I  love  my  sport  so  well, 

So  constant  at  my  play  ; 
And  lose  the  thoughts  ofheav'n  and  hell 
And  then  forget  to  pray  I 

2  What  do  I  read  my  Bible  for. 

But,  Lord,  to  learn  thy  will  ? 
And  shall  I  daily  know  thee  more, 
And  less  obey  thee  still  i 

3  How  senseless  is  my  heart,  and  wild  ! 

How  vain  are  all  my  thoughts  ! 
Pity  the  weakness  of  a  child, 
And  pardon  all  my  faults. 

4  Make  me  thy  heavenly  voice  to  hear, 
And  let  me  love  to  pray. 
Since  God  will  lend  a  gracious  ear 
To  what  a  child  can  say. 

SONG     XXV. 

A  Morning  Song, 
1   MY  God,  who  makesthesun  to  know. 
His  proper  hour  to  rise, 
And,  to  give  light  to  ail  below. 
Doth  send  him  round  the  skies* 


FOR  CHILDREN.  31 

2  When  from  the  chambers  of  the  east 

His  morning-race  begins 
He  ne\^er  tires,  nor  stops  to  rest, 
But  round  the  world  he  shines. 

3  So  like  the  sun,  would  I  fulfil 

The  busMess  of  the  day  ; 
Begin  mv'work  betimes,  and  still 
March  on  my  heav'nly  Way. 

4  Give  me,  O  Lord,  thy  early  grace, 

Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 
That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 
Has  all  been  spent  in  vain. 

SONG     XXVI. 

All  Evening  Song, 

1  AND  no^7  another  day  is  gone, 

I'll  sing  my  Maker's  praise, 
My  comforts  ev'ry  hour  make  known 
His  Providence  and  grace. 

2  But  how  my  childhood  runs  to  waste  ! 

My  sins,  how  great  their  sum  ! 

Lord,  give  me  pardon  for  the  past, 

And  strength  for  days  to  come. 

3  I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep  ; 
Let  angels  guard  my  head. 
And  through  the  hours  of  darkness  keep 
Their  watch  around  my  bed. 


32  DIVINE  SONGS 

4  With  cheerful  heart  I  close  my  eyes  : 
Since  thou  wilt  not  remove  ; 
And  in  the  morning  let  me  rise, 
Rejoicing  in  thy  love. 


SONG    XXVII. 

For  the  Lord^s-^Day,  Morning, 

1  THIS  is  the  day  when  Clirist  arose 

So  early  from  the  dead  ; 
Why  should  I  keep  my  eye-lids  clos'd. 
And  waste  my  hours  in  bed  ? 

2  This  is  the  dawn  when  Jesus  broke 

The  pow'r  of  death  and  hell, 
And  shall  I  still  wear  Satan's  yoke. 
And  love  my  sins  so  well  t 

3  To-day,  with  pleasure,  Christains  m€<?t> 

1  o  pr?,)-  and  hear  the  word  \ 


FOR  CHILDREN.  33 

And  I  would  go  with  cheerful  feet,    ,, 
To  learn  thy  holy  will. 

4  ril  leave  my  sport  to  read  and  pray, 
And  so  prepare  for  heav'n  : 
O  may  I  love  this  blessed  day 
The  best  of  all  the  sev'n  ! 

SONG     XXVIII. 

For  the  Lord?s-Day  .  Evening, 

1  LORD,  hov/  delightful  'tis  to  see 
A  whole  assembly  worship  thee  1 
At  once  they  sing,  at  once  they  pray; 
They  hear  of  heav'n  andlearn  the  way. 

2  I  have  been  there,  and  still  would  go  ; 
'Tis  like  a  little  heav'n  below  ; 

Not  all  my  pleasure  and  my  play 
Should  tempt  m.e  to  forget  this  day. 

■S  O  write  upon  my  mem'ry,  Lord, 
The  text  and  doctrines  of  thy  word  ; 
That  I  may  break  thy  laws  no  more. 
But  love  thee  better  than  before. 

4  Withtho'ts  of  Christ,  and  things  divine 
Fill  up  this  foolish  heart  of  mine  ; 
That  hoping  pardon  through  his  blood, 
I  may  lie  down,  and  wake  with  God. 


34  DIVINE  SONGS 

•  The  Ten  Commandments  from  Old  Testa- 
vrLent  put  iiito  short  rhyme  for  Children, 

Exodus,  Chap.  xx. 

1  THOU  shalthave  no  more  gods  but  me; 

2  Before  no  idol  bow  thy  knee. 

3  Take  not  the  name  of  God  in  vain  ; 

4  Nor  dare  the  Sabbath-day  profane. 

5  Give  both  thy  parents  honor  due. 

6  Take  heed  that  thou  no  murder  do. 

7  Abstain  from  words  &  deeds  unclean; 

8  Nor  steal  tho'  thou  art  poor  and  mean ; 

9  Nor  make  a  wilful  lie,  nor  love  it. 

10  What  is  thy  neighbor's  dare  not  covet. 

The  Sum  of  the  Commandments  outoftht 
Nezv  Testament. 

Matt.  xxii.  37. 
WITH  all  thy  soul  love  God  above, 
And  as  thyself  thy  neighbor  love. 

Our  Saviour"* s  Golden  Rule* 

Matt.  vii.  12. 
BE  you  to  others  kind  and  true. 
As  you'd  have  other's  be  to  you, ; 
And  neither  do  nor  say  to  men 
Whate'er  you  would  ndt  take  again. 


±^0R  CHILDREN.  35 

Duty  to  God  and  our  Neighbor, 

1  LOVE   God  with  all  your  soul  and 

strength, 
With  all  your  heart  and  mind  ; 
And  love  your  neighbor  as  yourself ; 
Be  faithful  just  and  kind. 

2  Deal  with  another  as  you'd  have 

Another  deal  with  you  ; 
What  you're  unwillingto  receive 
Be  sure  you  never  do. 

Out  of  my  Book  of  Hymns  I  have  here  fl^^jW- 
ed the  Yios2ca.T\2L  and  Glory  to  the  Father, 
£ifc.  to  be  sung  at  the  endofanij  of  these 
Song^,  according  to  the  direction  of  Pa- 
tents or  Governors, 

The  Hosanna  ;  or,  Salvation  ascribed  to 
Christ, 

Long  Metre. 

1  HOSANNA  to  King  David's  Son 
Who  reigns  on  a  superior  throne  ! 
We'll  bless  the  Prince  of  heav'nly  birth. 
Who  brings  salvation  down  to  earth, 

2  Let  ev'ry  nation,  ev'ry  age, 

In  this  delightful  work  engage  ; 
Old  men  and  babes  in  Sion  sing 
The  growing  glories  of  her  King  ■" 


36  DIVINE  SONGS 

Common  Metre. 

1  HOSANNA  to  the  Prince  of  Grace, 

Slon,  behold  thy  King  I 
Proclaim  the  Son  of  David's  race, 
And  teach  the  babes  to  sing. 

2  Kosanna  to  th'  eternal  Word, 

Who  from  the  Father  came  ; 

Ascribe  salvation  to  the  Lord, 

With  blessings  on  his  name. 

Short  Metre. 

1  HOSANNA  to  the  Son 

Of  David  and  of  God, 
Who  brought  the  news  of  pardon  down, 
And  bought  it  with  his  blood. 

2  T'  Christ,  the  anointed  King, 

Be  endless  blessings  giv'n  f 
Let  the  whole  earth  his  glory  sing, 
Who  made  our  peace  with  heav'n. 

Glory  to  the  Father^  Son^   ^c» 

TO  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 
And  God  the  Spirit,  Three  in  One ; 
Be  honor,  praise,  and  glory  giv  'n, 
By  all  on  earth,  and  all  in  heaven*, 


FOR  CHILDREN.  37 

Common  Metre. 

NOW  let  the  Faiher  arxd  the  Son 

And  Spirit  be  ador'd, 
Where  there  are  works  to  make  him 
known, 

Or  saints  to  love  the  Lord. 

Short  Metre. 
GIVE  to  the  Father  praise, 

Give  glory  to  the  Son  ; 
And  to  the  Spirit  of  his  Grace 

i3e  equal  honor  done. 


A 

SLIGHT    SPECIMEN 

OF 

MORAL  SONGS. 

Such  as  I  tJoish  some  happy  and  condescend" 
ing  genius  would  undertake  for  the  use 
of  children^  and  perform  much  better, 

THE  sense  and  subjects  might  be  bor- 
rowed plentifully  from  the  Proverbs  of 
Solomon^  frofii  all  the  common  appearance 
of  nature,  from  all  the  occurrences  of  ci- 
vil life,  both  in  city  and  country ;  (which 
v/ould  also  afford  matter  for  other  divine 
Songs.)  Here  the  language  and  measures 
should  be  easy,  and  flowing  with  cheer- 
fulness, with  or  without  the  solemnity  of 
religion,  or  the  sacred  names  of  God  and 
holy  things,  tha.t  children  might  find  de- 
light and  profit  together. 

This  would  be  one  effectual  way  to  de- 
liver them  from  the  temptations  of  lov- 
ing or  learning  those  idle,  wanton  or  pro- 
fane songs,  which  give  so  early  an  ill 
taint  to  the  fancy  and  memory,  and  be- 
come the  seeds  of  future  vices* 


SPECIMEN  OF  iMORAL  SONGS.    39 


S  O  ]N   G     I. 

The  Sluggard, 
1   TIS  the  voice  of  the  Sluggard  ;  I  heard 

him  complain, 
"  You  have  wak'd  me  too  soon,  Imust 

slumber  again  ;" 
As  the  door  on  its  hinges,  so  he  on  his 

bed, 
Turns  his  sides,   and  his   shoulders, 

and  his  heavy.head. 
'2  "  A   little  more  sleep,  a  little   m.ore 

slumber," 
Thus  he  wastes  half  his  days  and  his 

hours  without  number  ; 
And  when  he  gets  up  he  sits  folding 

his  hands. 
Or  walks  about  saunt'rlng,  or  trifling 

he  stands. 


40  A  SPECIMEN  OF 

3  I  pass'd  by  his   garden,  and  saw  the 

wild  brier, 

The  thorn  and  the  thistle,  grow  broad- 
er and  higher. 

The  cloaths  that  hang  on  him  are  turn- 
ing to  rags : 

And  his  money  still  wastes,  till  he 
starves  or  he  begs. 

4  I  made  him  a  visit  still  hoping  to  find 
He  had  took  better  care  from  improv- 
ing his  mind: 

He  told  me  his  dreams,  talked  of  eating 
and  drinking; 

But  he  scarce  reads  his  bible,  and  ne- 
ver loves  thinking. 

5  Said  I  then  to  my  heart,  'here's  les- 

son for  me  ; 

That  man's  but  a  picture  of  what  I 
might  be  : 

But  thanks  to  my  friends  for  their  care 
in  my  breeding. 

Who  taught  me  betimes  to  love  work- 
ing and  reading. 

SONG     II. 

Innocent  Play, 
I .  ABROAD  in  the  meadows  to  see  the 
young  lambs 
Run  sporting  about  by  the  side  of  ther 
dams, 


MORAL  SONGS.  41 

With  fleeces  so  clean  and  so  white  ; 
Or  a  nest  of  young  doves  in  a  large 

open  cage 
When  they  play  all  in  love   without 

anger  or  rage  ; 
How  much  may  we  learn  from  the 

sight ! 

2  If  we  had  been  ducks,  we  nfight  dab- 
ble in  mud  ; 
Or  dogs,  we  might  play  till  it  ended  in 
blood  ; 
So  foul  and  so  fierce  are  their  nature: 
But  Thomas  and  William  and  such 

pretty  names, 
Should  be   cleanly  and    harmless    as 

doves  or  as  lambs, 
Thoselovely  sweet  innocent  creatures. 

5  Nor  a  thing  that  we  do,  nor  a  word 
that  we  say. 
Should  hinder  another  in  jestingor  play; 
For  he's  still  in  earnest  that's  hurt  : 
How  rude  are  the  boys  that  throw  peb- 
bles and  mire  ! 
There's  none  but  a  madman  will  fling 
about  fire. 
And  tell  you  "tis  all  but  in  sport." 


42 


A  SPECIiMEN  OF 


SONG     III, 

The  Rose. 

1  HOW  fair  is  the  Rose  I  what  a  beauti- 

ful flower ! 
The  glory  of  April  and  May  : 
But  leaves  are  beginning  to  fade  in  an 
hour, 
And  they  wither  and  die  in  a  day. 

2  Yet  the  rose  has  one  powerful  virtue 

to  boast, 
Above  all  the  flowers  of  the  field  : 
When  its  leaves  are  all  dead,  and  fine 
colors  are  lost, 
Still  how  sweet  a  perfume  it  will  yield! 

3  So  frail  is  the  youth,  and  the  beauty  of 

men, 
Tho'  they  bloom  and  look  gay  like 
the  rose  ; 


MORAL  SONGS.  43 

But  all  our  fond  care  to  preserve  them 
in  vain  ; 
Time   kills  them  as  fast  as  he  goes. 

4  Then  I'll  not  be  proud  of  my  youth  or 

my  beauty, 
Since  both  of  them  wither  and  fade ; 
But  gain  a  good  name   by  well  doing 
my  duty ; 
This  will  scent  like  a  rose  when  I'm 
dead. 

SONG    IV. 

The   Thief, 

X  WHY  should  I  deprive  my  neighbor 
Of  his  goods  against  his  will  ? 
Hands  were  made  for  honest  labor, 
Not  to  plunder  or  to  steal. 
2  Tis  a  foolish  self-deceiving, 

By  such  tricks  to  hope  for  gain  : 
All  that's  ever  got  by  thieving, 
Turns  to  sorrow,  shame  and  pain, 

5  Have  not  Eve  and  Adam  taught  us 

Their  sad  profit  to  compute  f 
To  what  dismal  state  they  brought  us 
When  they  stole  forbidden  fruit  I 
4  Oft  we  see  a  young  beginner 

Practise  little  pilfering  v/ays, 


44  A  SPECIMEN  OF 

Till  grown  up  an  hardened  sinner, 
Then  the  gallows  ends  his  days. 

5  Theft  will  not  be  always  hid  den, 

Tho'  we  fancy  none  can  spy  : 

When  we  take  a  thing  forbidden, 

God  beholds  it  with  his  eye. 

6  Guard  my  heart,  O  God  of  Heaven, 

Lest  I  covet  what's  not  mine  ; 
Lest  I  steal  what  is  no  t  given, 

Guard  my  heart  and  hands  from  sin. 

SONG     V. 

The  Ant  and  Emmet 

1  THESE  Emmets,  how  Iktle  they  arc 

in  our  eyes ! 
We  tread  them  to  dust,  and  a  troop  of 
them  dies, 
Without  our  regard  or  concern : 
Yet,  as  wise  as   we  are,  if  we  went  to 

their  school, 
There's  many  a  blaggard,    and  many  a 
fool, 
Some  lessons  of  ^visdom  might  learn. 

2  They  dont  wear  their  time  out  in  sleep- 

ing and  play,  ^,^. 

But  gather  up  corn  in  a  sun-shiny  day. 

And  for  wuiter  they  lay  up  their  stores: 
They  manage  their  work  in  such  regular 
fprms, 


MORAL  SONGS,  45 

One  would  think  they  foresaw  all  the  frosts 
and  the  storms, 
And  so  brought  their  food  within  doors. 

3  But  I  have  less  sense  than  a  poor  creep- 

ing Ant, 
If  I  take  not  due  care  for  the  things  I  shall 
Vv^ant, 
Nor  provide  against  danger  in  time  : 
When  death  or  old  age   shall  stare  in  my 

face. 
What  a  wretch  shall  I  be  in  the  end  of  my 
days, 
If  I  trifle  away  all  their  prime. 

4  Now,  not/  while  my  strength  and  my 

3'outh  are  in  bloomy 
Let  me  think   what  vv^ill  sei-\-e  me  when 
sickness  shall  come, 
And  pray  that  my  sins  be  forgiven  ; 
Let  me  read  in  good  books,  and  believe 

and  obey. 
That  when  death  turns  me  out  of  this  cot- 
tage of  clay, 
J  may  dwell  in  a  palace  in  heaven. 

S^  N  G     VI. 

Good  Resolutions. 

%  THO*  I  am  now  in  younger  days 
Nor  can  tell  what  shall  befal  roe. 


46  A  SPECIMEN  OF 

111  prepare  for  ev'ry  place, 

Where  my  growing  age  shall  call  me  ^ 

2  Should  I  e'er  be  rich  or  great, 

Others  shall  partake  my  goodness  ; 
I'll  supply  the  poor  with  meat, 

Never  shewing  scorn  rior  rudeness. 

3  Where  I  see  the  blind  or  lame. 

Deaf,  or  dumb,  Fil  kindly  treat  them: 
I  deserve  to  feel  the  same 

If  I  mock,  or  hurt  or  cheat  them. 
4'  If  I  meet  with  railing  tongues, 

Why  should  I  return  them  railing, 
Since  I  best  revenge  my  wrongs 
By  my  patience  never  failing  ? 
>  When  I  hear  them  telling  liqs, 

Talking  foolish,  cursing,  swearing ; 
First  I'll  try  to  make  them  wise 
Or  I'll  soon  go  out  of  hearing. 
)  What  tho'  I  be  low  and  mean, 
I'll  engage  the  rich  to  love  me, 
While  I'm  modest,  neat  and  clean. 
And  submit  when  they  reprove  me. 
r  If  I  should  be  poor  or  sick, 

I  shall  meet,  I  hope  with  pity, 
3ince  I  love  to  help  the  weak, 

Tho'  they're  nether  fair  nor  witty. 
I'll  not  willingly  offend, 
Nor  be  easily  offended  ; 


MORAL  SONGS.  51 

10  See  the  lovely  babe  a  dressing; 

Lovel)'  infant,  how  he  smil'd ! 
When  he  wept,  the  mother's  blessing 
Sooth'd  and  hush'd  the  holy  child. 

1 1  Lo  I  he  slumbers  in  a  manger,    * 

Where  the  horned  oxen  fed  ; 
Peace,  my  darling  here's  no  danger, 
Here's  no  ox  a-near  thy  bed. 

12  'Twas  to  save  thee,  child,  from  dying, 

Save  my  dear  from  burning  flame, 
Bitter  groans  and  endless  crying, 
That  thy  blest  Redeemer  came. 

1 3  May'st  thou  live  to  know  and  fear  him 

Trust  and  love  him  all  thy  days  ; 
Then  go  dwell  for  ever  near  him, 
See  his  face  and  sing  his  praise  I 

14  I  could  give  thee  thousand  kisses, 

Hoping  what  I  most  desire  ; 
Not  a  mother's  fondest  wishes 
Can  to  greater  joys  aspire. 

End  of  the  Divine  Songs. 


J' '-I  '        ■  -  -^ 

THE 

PRINCIPLES 

OF    THE 

CHRISTIAN  RELIGION. 

Expressed  in  plain  and  easy  Verse, 

BY   p.  DODDRIDGE,    D.  D. 

Of  our  own  Nature  audits  chief  Glory  and 
Happiness, 

NOW  for  awhile  aside  I'll  lay 
My  childish  trifles  and  my  play  ; 
And  call  my  thoughts  which  rove  abroad, 
To  view  myself,  and  view  my  God  ; 
I'll  look  within,  that  I  may  see 
What  I  now  am,  what  I  must  be. 
I  am  the  creature  of  the  Lord  ; 
He  made  me  by  his  pow'rful  word  ; 
This  body  in  each  carious  part. 
Was  wrought  by  his  unfailing  art ;. 
From  him  my  nobler  spirit  came. 
My  soul,  a  spark  of  heav'nly  flame  ; 
That  soul  by  which  my  body  liv^cs, 
Which  thinks,  and  hopes,  and  joys  and 

grieves. 
And  must  in  heav'n  or  hell  rempn, 
When  flesh  is  tm-ned  to  dust  again. 


THE  PRINCIPLES,  &c.  53 

What  business  then  should  I  attend  ? 
Or  what  esteem  my  noblest  end  ? 
Sure  it  consists  in  this  alone, 
That  God  my  Maker  may  be  known ; 
So  known  that  I  may  love  him  still, 
And  form  my  actions  by  his  will ; 
That  he  may  bless  me  while  I  live, 
And  when  I  die  my  soul  receive, 
To  dwell  forever  in  his  sight. 
In  perfect  knowlecV^^e  and  delight. 


The  Knowledge  of  God^  and  otir  Duty  to 
be  learnt  from  the  Bible  ^ 
HOW  shall  a  little  infant  learn, 
This  grea.t,  this  infinite  concern. 
What  my  almighty  maker  is, 
And  w^hat  the  way  this  God  to  please  ? 

'  Shall  some  bright  angel  spread  his  wing, 
The  welcome  message  down  to  bring? 


54        '  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

Or  must  we  dig  beneath  the  ground, 
Deep  as  where  silver  mines  are  found. 

I  bless  his  name  for  what  I  hear ; 
The  word  of  life  and  truth  is  near  ; 
His  gospel  sounds  through  all  our  land : 
Bibles  are  lodg'd  in  every  hand  : 
That  sacred  book,  inspir'd  by  God, 
In  our  own  tongue  is  spread  abroad : 
That  book  may  little  children  read, 
And  learn  the  knowlege  which  they  need  ; 
I'll  place  it  still  before  my  eyes. 
For  there  my  hope  and  treasure  lies. 

Of  the  Nature  and  Attributes  of  the  blessed 
God. 

GOD  is  a  spirit  none  can  see  ; 
He  ever  was,  and  e'er  shall  be  ; 
Present  where'er  his  creatures  dwell. 
Thro'  earth  and  sea,  thro'  heav'n  and  hell. 

His  eye  with  infinite  survey. 
Views  all  their  realms  in  full  display  ; 
What  has  been,  is,  or  shall  be  done, 
Or  here,  or  there,  to  him  is  known  : 
Nor  can  one  thought  arise  unseen, 
In  mind  of  angels  or  of  men: 
Yet  far  above  all  anxious  cares. 
Calmly  he  rules  his  grand  affairs  ; 
While  wisdom  infinite  attends, 
By  surest  means?  the  noblest  ends., 


CHRISTIAN   RELIGION,         55 

Majestic  from  his  lofcy  throne 
He  speaks,  and  all  his  will  is  done  j 
Nor  can  united  worlds  withstand 
The  force  of  his  almighty  hand  ; 
Yet  ever  righteous  are  his  ways, 
Faithful  and  true  whate'er  he  says  : 
The  holy,  holy,  holy  Lord, 
By  all  the  angelic  hosts  ador'd. 

The  bounty  of  his  gracious  hands, 
Wide  as  the  world  he  made  extends ; 
And  tho'  himself  completely  bless'd, 
With  pity  looks  on  the  distress'd. 
And  by  his  Son,  our  Saviour  dear, 
To  sinners  brings  salvation  near. 

All  that  is  glorious,  good  and  great, 
Does  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  meet : 
Then  to  his  name  be  glory  giv'n 
By  all  on  earth,  and  all  in  heav'n. 

Of  God's  relation  to  us, 
THE  Lord  my  Maker  I  adore, 
Created  by  his  love  and  power  ; 
He  fashion'd  in  their  various  forms. 
Angels  and  men,  and  beasts  and  worms, 
And  all  their  well-rang 'd  orders  stand ; 
Supported  by  his  pow'rful  hand. 

Father  of  light,  amidst  the  skies 
He  bids  the  golden  sun  arise  ; 
He  scatters  the  refreshing  rain, 
To  cheer  the  grass  and  swell  the  grain  i 


56  PRINCIPLEvS  OF  THE 

And  ev'ry  day  presents  the  food 
That  satisfies  my  mouth  with  good. 

At  home,  abroad,  by  night,  by  day, 
He  is  my  guardian  and  my  stay  ; 
And  sure  'tis  fit  my  soul  should  know, 
He  is  my  Lord  and  sov'reign  too. 

O  may  that  voice  that  speaks  his  law, 
My  heart  to  sweet  obedience  draw  ; 
That  when  I  see  the  Judge  descend, 
I  in  that  Judge  may  see  my  Friend. 

The  Sum  of  our  Duty  to  God  and  Man. 

THE  knowledge  which  my  heart  desires 
Is  but  to  learn  what  God  requires  : 
Speak  then  the  word,  my  Father  dear. 
For  all  my  soul's  awake  to  hear  : 
And  O,  what  joy  my  breast  must  move 
To  hear  that  ail  thy  law  is  love  1 
This  is  the  sum  of  ev'ry  part, 
To  love  the  Lord  with  ail  my  heart, 
With  all  my  soul,  with  all  my  might. 
And  in  his  service  to  delight : 
That  I  should  love  my  neighbors  too. 
And  what  I  wish  from  them  should  do. 

Ho w  short  and  sweet,  how  good  and  plaia 
Easy  to  learn  and  to  retain  I 
O  may  thy  grace  my  soul  renew  ! 
And  'twill  be  sweet  to  practise  too. 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION.         57 

Hotv  our  Love  to  God  is  to  be  expressed, 
SINCE  love  is  as  m}^  duty  known, 
How  must  this  love  to  God  be  shown  ? 
Sure  I  the  highest  thoughts  should  raise 
Of  him  who  is  above  ail  praise  ; 
His  favors  most  of  all  desire, 
And  still  to  please  him  should  aspire  : 
To  him  be  constant  worship  paid  ; 
And  ail  his  sacred  laws  obey'd  : 

If  to  ai?tict  me  be  his  will, 
ni  bear  it  with  submission  still : 
A  tender  father  sure  he  proves, 
And  but  corrects  because  he  loves 

His  word  with  diligence  I'll  hear  j 
To  him  present  my  daily  pray'r ; 
And  vrhile  new  mercies  I  implore, 
For  blessings  past  I  will  adore  ; 
And  ev'ry  action  shall  express 
A  heart  full  charged  with  thankfulness. 
Hozu  love  to  our  Neighbor  should  be  ex^ 
pressed, 
I  BY  my  love  to  men  must  prove, 
How  cordially  my  God  I  love  : 
To  those  whom  he  hath  cloth'd  with  pow'r 
I  would  be  subject  ev'ry  hour  ; 
To  parents,  and  to  rulers  too, 
Pay  honor  and  obedience  due  ; 
In  Qv^ry  word  would  truth  preserve 
Nor  let  one  act  from  justice  swerve. 


58  PKINCIPLES  OF  THE 

In  all  my  feeble  hands  can  do, 
The  good  of  all  I  would  pursue  ; 
And  where  my  pow'rs  of  action  fail. 
Kind  wishes  in  my  heart  prevail 
For  ev'ry  man,  whoe'er  he  be 
Stranger,  or  Friend,  or  Enemy.' 

Since  by  God's  pard'ning  grace  I  live, 
Well  may  I  all  my  foes  forgive  : 
And,  as  Christ's  word  and  pattern  show'd. 
Conquer  their  evil  by  my  good. 

Sins  to  be  avoided  in  Thought^  Word  and 
Action, 

GUARD  me,  O  God,  from  ev'ry  sin. 
Let  heart,  and  tongue,  and  life  be  clean  i 
Tho'  with  ten  thousand  snares  beset, 
I  never  will  my  Lord  forget. 

Fain  would  I  learn  to  lay  aside 
Malice,  and  stubborness  and  pride  j 
Envy,  and  ev'ry  evil  thought  ; 
Nor  be  my  breast  with  anger  hot : 
Each  other  passion  wild  and  rude, 
I  long  to  feel  by  grace  subdu'd. 

When  thus  my  heart  is  well  prepar'd. 
My  tongue  I  easily  shall  guard 
From  ev'ry  oath  and  curse  profane, 
Nor  take  Gods  rev'rend  name  in  vain  : 
No  sacred  things  shall  I  deride. 
Nor  scoff,  nor  rail,  nor  brawl,  nor  chide  : 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION.         59 

My  soul  will  ev'ry  He  detest, 
And  ev'ry  base  indecent  jest. 

This  humble  wachful  soul  of  mine 
Shall  with  abhorrence  then  decline 
The  drunkard's  cup,  the  glutton's  feast, 
That  sink  the  man  below  the  beast ; 
Th'  injurious  blow,  the  w^anton  eye  ; 
The  loss  of  hours  that  quickly  fly  ; 
And  that  which  leads  to  ev'ry  crime, 
The  vain  mispence  of  sacred  time  ; 
What  brings  dishonor  on  God's  law. 
Or  what  on  man  would  mischief  draw. 

Of  the  mistry  zvhich  sin  hath  bro't  upon  us, 

WHO  can  abide  God's  wrath,  or  stand 
Before  the  terrors  of  his  hand  ? 
Jehovah's  curse  what  heart  shall  dare 
To  meet  ?  or  what  be  strong  to  bear  ? 

He  ev'ry  good  can  take  away, 
And  ev'ry  evil  on  us  lay  : 
Can  by  one  single  word  bring  down 
The  tallest  head  that  w^ears  a  crown  ; 
The  statesman  wise,  the  warrior  brave. 
To  moulder  in  the  silent  grave  : 
And  send  the  wretched  soul  to  hell. 
To  the  fierce  flames  where  devils  dwell, 
For  endless  years  to  languish  there, 
In  pangs  of  infinite  despair. 

1  then  poor  feeble  child,  how  soon 
Must  I  dissolve  before  his  frown  I 


eo  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

And'yet  his  frowns  and  veng'ance  too, 
I,  by  my  sins  have  made  my  due. 

Is  there  no  hope,  and  must  I  die  ? 
Is  there  no  friend,  nor  helper  nigh  ? 
Is  it  beyond  repeal  decreed. 
That  ev'ry  soul  that  sins  must  bleed? 
O  let  my  longing,  trembling  ear 
Some  sound  of  grace  and  pardon  hear  I 
My  soul  would  the  first  news  embrace, 
And  turn  its  trembling  into  praise. 

Of  the  Gospd^  or  the  News  of  Salvation  by 
Christ. 

WHAT  joyful  tidings  do  I  hear  ! 
'Tis  gosple  grace  salutes  my  ear  : 
And  by  that  gracious  sound  I  find. 
This  righteous  God  is  mild  and  kind. 

Jesus,  his  holy  Son,  displays 
The  wonders  of  his  Father's  grace  ; 
The  great  salvation,  long  foretold 
By  prophets  to  the  Jews  of  old, 
Is  now  in  plainer  words  made  known, 
As  to  th'  apostles  clearly  shown. 
Bythis  bless'd  message  bro't  from  heav'n 
Pardon,  and  peace,  and  grace  is  giv'n. 

O  may  I  know  that  Saviour  dear, 
Whom  God  hath  representedthere! 
And  that  eternal  life  receive. 
Which  he  has  sent  by  God  to  give. 


CHRISTIAN   RELIGION.        61 

IVho  C/irlbt  is^  and  hoxv  he  lived  on  earth. 

JESUS  !  how  bright  his  glories  shine  1 
The  great  Immanuel  is  divine  ; 
One  with  the  father  he  appears, 
And  all  his  Father's  honors  shares ; 
Yet,  he,  to  bring  salvation  down. 
Has  put  our  mortal  nature  on. 

He  in  a  humble  virgin's  womb 
A  feeble  infant  did  become ; 
A  stable  was  his  lodging  made, 
And  the  rude  manger  was  his  bed. 
Growing  in  life  he  still  was  seen 
Humble,  laborious,  poor  and  mean. 
The  Son  of  God  from  year  to  year, 
Did  as  a  carpenter  appear. 

'  At  length  when  he  to  preach  was  sent, 
Thro'  towns  and  villages  he  went, 
Andtravell'd  with  unwearied  zeal, 
God's  will  and  nature  to  reveaL 

To  prove  the  heav'nly  truths  he  taught 
Unnumber'd  miracles  were  v/rought  j 
The  blind  beheld  him,  and  the  ear 
Which  had  been  deaf,   his  voice  could 
Sickness  obey'd  his  healing  hand,  [hear ; 
And  devils  fled  at  his  command ; 
The  lame  for  joy  around  hnm  leap  ; 
The  dead  he.  wakens  from  their  sleep. 
D 


63  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

Thro'  all  his  life  his  doctrine  shines 
Drawn  in  the  plainest,  fairest  liites  ; 
And  death  at  length  did  he  sustain, 
Our  pardon  and  our  peace  to  gain  ; 
That  sinners  v/ho  condemned  stood, 
Might  gain  salvation  by  his  blood  ; 
All  honor  then  ascribed  be, 
To  him  who  liv'd  and  dy'd  for  me  ? 
OfChrisfs  (leather  eswrection  £sP  ascension^ 

JESUS,  the  righteous  I  lo,  he  dies, 
For  sin  a  spotless  sacrifice  ! 
Justice  has  on  his  sacred  head 
The  weight  of  our  trangressions  laid. 
If  God's  own  Son  would  sinners  save, 
He  must  be  humbled  to  the  grave  ; 
That  so  a  pardoning  God  might  shew 
What  veng'ance  to  our  crimes  was  due. 

Nail'dto  the  cross  with  tort'ring  smart, 
What  anguish  rack'd  his  tender  heart  I 
Alas,  how  bitterly  he  cry'd  ! 
Tasted  the  vinegar  and  dy'd  I 
Cold  in  the  tomb  that  mournful  day, 
My  Saviour's  mangled  body  lay, 
Well  may  I  blush,  and  weep  t*)  see 
What  Jesus  bore  for  love  of  me. 

But  O  my  soul,  thy  grief  refrain, 
Jesus  the  Saviour  lives  again  1 
On  the  third  day  the  Conq'eror  rose. 
And  gi?eatly  triumph'd  o'er  his  foes  ; 


CHRISTIAN   RELIGION.         63 

Prov'd  his  recover'd  life,  and  then 
Ascended  to  his  heav'n  again. 
Exalted  on  a  shining  throne, 
At  God's  right  hand  he  sits  him  dovvn^ 
To  plead  the  merits  of  his  blood, 
And  rule  for  all  his  people's  good  : 
Wide  o'er  all  worlds  his  power  extends, 
And  well  can  he  protect  his  friends  ; 
May  I  in  that  blest  band  appear, 
Secure  from  danger  and  from  fear. 

Of  the  Nature  of  Faith  and  Repentance, 
THEY  must  repent  and  must  believe^ 
Who  Christ's  salvation  would  receive  -^ 

0  may  the  spirit  faith  impart. 
And  work  repentance  in  my  heart ! 

Bless'd  Jesus  who  can  be  so  base 
As  to  suspect  thy  pow'r  of  grace  ! 
Or  who  can  e'er  so  stupid  be. 
To  slight  thy  blessings,  Lord  and  thee  ! 
With  humble,  rev'rent  hope  and  love 

1  to  thy  gracious  feet  would  move, 
And  to  thy  care  my  all  resign, 
Resolv'd  to  be  forever  thine  ; 
Secure,  if  thou  vouchsafe  to  keep 
My  feeble  soul  among  thy  sheep. 

The  sins  and  follies  I  have  done. 
Humbled  in  dust  I  would  bemoan  ; 
And  while  past  guilt  I  thus  deplore, 
I  would  repeat  that  guilt  no  more  ; 


64  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

But  by  a  life  of  zeal  and  love 
True  faith  and  penitence  approve  : 
So  shall  thy  grace  my  sins  forgive, 
Jesus  shall  smile,  and  I  shall  live. 

Of  the  assistance  and  influence  of  the  bles^ 
sed  Spirit. 

'TIS  not  in  my  weak  power  alone, 
To  melt  this  stubborn  heart  of  stone. 
My  soul  to  change,  my  life  to  mend, 
Or  seek  to  Christ,  that  gen'rous  friend. 

'Tis  God's  own  spirit  from  above, 
Fixes  our  faith,  inflames  our  love. 
And  makes  a  life  divine  begin 
In  wretched  souls  long  dead  in  sin. 

That  most  important  gift  of  heav'n, 
To  those  that  ask  and  seek  is  giv'n ; 
Then  be  it  my  immediate  care, 
With  importunity  of  pray'r 
To  seek  it  in  a  Saviour's  name, 
Who  will  not  turn  my  hope  to  shame. 

God  from  on  high  his  grace  shall  pour ; 
My  soul  shall  flourish  more  and  more. 
Press  on  with  speed  from  grace  to  grace. 
Till  glory  end  and  crown  the  race. 

Since  then  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 
Glorious  beyond  all  speeeh  and  thought, 
Have  jointly  my  salvation  wrought : 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION.         65 

Vl\  join  them  in  my  songs  of  praise, 
Now,  and  through  heavens  eternal  days. 

Of  the  Means  of  Grace  which  God  hath  ap^ 
pointed, 

WHAT  kind  provision  God  has  made, 
That  we  may  safe  in  heaven  be  led  ! 
For  this  the  prophets  preachM  and  wrote, 
For  this  the  bless'd  apostle  taught ; 
Taught,  as  that  Spirit  did  inspire. 
Who  fell  from  heav'n  in  tongues  of  fire, 
And  gave  them  languages  unknown, 
That  distant  lands  his  grace  might  own* 
His  hand  has  kept  the  sacred  page 
Secure  from  men's  and  devils'  rage. 

For  this  he  churches  did  ordain 
His  truths  and  worship  to  maintain  ; 
For  this  he  pastors  did  provide, 
In  those  assemblies  to  preside  ; 
And  from  the  round  of  common  days, 
Mark'd  out  our  sabbaths  to  his  praise  : 
Delightful  day !  when  Christians  meet 
To  hear,  and  pray,  and  sing,  how  sweet  j 

For  this  he  gives,  in  solemn  ways. 
Appointed  tokens  of  his  grace  : 
In  sacramental  pledges  there, 
His  soldiers  to  their  General  swear  ^ 
Baptiz'd  into  one  common  Lord, 
Thfey  joyfvil  meet  around  his  board  i 


66  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

Honor  the  orders  of  his  house, 

And  speak  their  love,and  seal  their  vows. 

Of  the  Design  and  Obligation  of  Baptism, 

IN  baptism  washed  we  all  must  be, 

In  honor  of  the  sacred  Three, 

To  shew  how  we  are  washM  from  sin, 

In  Jesus'  blood  and  born  again 

B}^  grace  divine,  and  thus  are  made 

Members  of  Christ,  our  common  head. 

The  father  formed  the  glorious  scheme, 
And  we  adopted  are  by  him. 

The  Son,  great  prophet,  priest  and  king, 
Did  news  of  his  redemption  bring  ; 
He  by  his  death  our  life  procured, 
And  now  besv.ows  it  as  our  Lord. 
The  holy  Spirit  witness  bore 
To  this  bless'd  gospel  heretofore  : 
And  teaches  those  he's  purify'd. 
Faithful  and  patient  to  abide. 

Into  these  names  was  I  baptiz'd, 
And  be  the  honour  justly  priz'i  ; 
Nor  let  the  sacred  bond  be  broke, 
Nor  be  my  covenant  God  forsook, 
Thus  wash'd  I  keep  my  garments  clean, 
And  never  more  return  to  sin. 
One  body  now  all  Christians  are  ; 
O  may  they  in  one  spirit  share  ! 
And  cherish  that  endearing  love, 
In  which  the  saints  are  ble^3l  above  1 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION         67 

On  the  Nature  and  Design  of  the  Lord\s 

Supper. 
THE  mem'ry  of  Christ's  death  is  sweet. 
When  saints  around  his  table  meet, 
And  break  the  bread  and  pour  the  wine, 
Obedient  to  his  word  divine. 

As  they  the  bread  and  cup  receive, 
So  while  on  Christ  their  souls  believe. 
They  eat  his  flesh,  they  drink  his  blood  ; 
Cordial  divine,  and  heav'nly  food! 
Their  cov'nant  thus  with  God  renew. 
And  love  to  ev'ry  christian  show. 

Well  may  their  souls  rejoice  &  thrive  : 

0  may  the  blessed  hour  arrive. 
When,  ripe  in  knowledge  and  in  grace, 

1  at  that  board  shall  find  a  place ! 
And  now,  what  there  his  people  do, 
1  would  at  humble  distance  view  j 
Would  look  to  Christ  w  ith  grateful  heart, 
And  in  their  pleasure  take  my  part ; 
Resolv'd  while  such  a  sight  I  see. 

To  live  to  him  who  dy'd  for  me. 
Of  the  Nature  and  Office  of  Angels, 

MY  soul,  the  heav'nly  world  survey. 
The  regions  of  eternal  day  : 
There  Jesus  reigns,  and  round  his  seat 
Millions  of  holy  angels  meet. 

Those  moving  stars,  how  bright  they 
Kow  sweetly  all  their  voices  join  [shine! 


€8  rPvINCTPLES  OF  THE 

To  praise  their  Maker,  watchful  still 

To  marlrthe  signals  of  his  will ; 

While    with    their  out-stretch'd  wings 

they  stand, 
To  fly  at  his  divine  command. 

All  happy  as  they  are  and  great, 
Yet  scorn  they  not  on  men  to  wait : 
And  little  children  in  their  arms 
They  gerj-tly  bear,  secure  from  harms.  ^ 
O  may  I,  with  such  humble  zeal. 
My  heavenly  Father's  word  fulfil  1 
That  I  when  time  has  run  its  race, 
May  with  bless 'd  angels  find  a  place. 
Borne  on  their  friendly  wings  on  high, 
To  joys  like  theirs,  which  never  die. 

Of  the  Fall  and  State  of  the  Devils, 
WELL  may  I  tremble  when  I  read 
That  sin  did  heav'n  itself  invade : 
Cuts'd  pride,  with  subtilty  unknown, 
Perverted  angels  near  God's  throne  ; 
They  sinn'd  against  his  holy  name, 
And  hateful  devils  they  became  : 
But  wrath  divine  pursu'd  them  soon, 
And  flaming  vengeance  hurl'd  them  down. 

Now  in  the  pangs  of  fierce  despair, 
Pris'ners  at  large  they  range  in  air  ; 
Walk  thro'  the  earth,  unheard,  unseen, 
And  lay  their  snares  for  thoughtless  m^^ 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION.         69 

Tempt  us  to  sin  against  our  God, 
And  draw  us  to  hell's  downward  road. 

But  God  can  all  their  power  restrain  : 
My  Saviour  holds  them  in  his  chain, 
Till  at  his  bar  they  all  appear, 
And  meet  their  final  sentence  there. 

On  Death, 
LORD,   I  confess  thy  sentence  just,. 
That  sinful  man  should  turn  to  dust. 
That  I  ere  long  should  yield  my  breath, 
The  captive  of  all  conq  ring  death. 

Soon  w'ill  the  awful  hour  appear, 
When  I  must  quit  my  dwelling  here  ; 
These  active  limbs,  to  worms  a  prey, 
In  the  cold  grave  must  waste  away  ; 
Nor  shall  I  share  in  all  that's  done 
In  this  wide  world,  bene?th  the  sun. 

To  distant  climes,  and  seats  unknown. 
My  naked  spirit  must  be  gone  : 
To  God  its  maker  must  return. 
And  ever  joy  or  ever  mourn. 

No  room  for  penitence  and  prayer, 
No  farther  preparation  there 
Can  e'er  be  made ;  the  thought  is  vain  ; 
My  state  unalter'd  must  remain. 
Awake,  my  soul,  without  delay. 
That  if  God  summons  the-e  this  day. 
Thou  cheerful  at  his  call  may'st  rise. 
And  spring  to  life  beyond  the  skies. 


70  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE 

On  the  Resurrection  of  the  Dead, 

WHAT  awful  ruins  death  has  made  ! 
How  low  the  wise  and  great  are  laid  ! 
Alike  the  saints  and  sinners  die  ; 
Mould 'ring  alike  in  dust  they  lie. 
But  there's  a  day  shall  change  the  scene^ 
How  awful  to  the  sons  of  men  I 

When  the   arch-angel's   trump    shall 
sound, 
And  shake  the  air  and  cleave  the  ground, 
Jesus  enthron'd  in  light  appears, 
Circled  with  angels,  bright  as  stars  : 
'  Rise,  ye  that  sleep,'  the  Lord  shall  say: 
And  all  the  earth,  and  all  the  sea, 
Yield  up  the  nations  of  the  dead. 
For  ages  in  their  bowels  hid. 
Bone  knows  its  kindred  bone  again, 
All  cloth  d  anew  with  flesh  and  skin  : 
Each  spirit  knows  its  proper  mate  ; 
They  rise  in  array  vast  and  great. 

But  oh!  what  difF'rent  marks  they  bear, 
Of  transport  some,  and  some  of  fear  ; 
When  marshalld  in  the  Judge's  sight. 
These  to  the  left,  those  to  the  right, 
Th-at  they  may  that  last  sentence   hear, 
Which  shcdl  their  endless  state  declare  I 
My  soul  in  deep  attention  stay. 
And  learn  th'  event  of  such  a  dav. 


CHRISTIAN  RELIGION         71 

Of  Judgment  and  Eternity*   Heaven  and 
Hell 

WHEN  Christ  to  judge  the  world  ie- 
scends, 
Thus  shall  he  say  to  all  his  friends  ; 
"  Come,  blessed  souls,  that  kingdom 
**  My  father  did  for  you  prepare  [share, 
*'  Ere  earth  was  founded  :  come  &  reign 
*'  Where  endless  life  and  joy  remain." 

Then  to  the  wicked — "  cursed  crew, 
"  Depart,  heav'n  is  no  place  for  you  : 
"To  these  eternal  burnings  go, 
"  Whose  pangs  the  rebel  angels  know." 

He   speaks,  and  straight  his  shining 
With  fiery  thunder  in  their  hands,  [bands 
Drive  them  away  ;  hells  lake  receives 
The  wretched  on  its  flaming  waves  ; 
Justice  divine  the  gates  shall  bar, 
And  for  a  seal  affix  despair. 

While  Jesus  rising  from  his  throne, 
Leads  his  triumphant  army  on, 
To  enter  their  divine  abode. 
In  the  fair  city  of  their  God. 
There  everlasting  pleasures  grow, 
Full  rivers  of  salvation  flow ; 
\ndall  their  happiness  appears; 
ncreasing  with  eternal  years. 


72  PRINCIPLES,   Sec. 

The  Conclusion^  in  a  practical  Reflection 

on  the  Wholes 
AND  now,  mv  heart,  with  rev'rend  awe, 
From  hence  thine  own  instruction  draw. 
I  at  this  judgment  must  appear  : 
I  must  this  solemn  sentence  hear, 
(As  I'm  with  saints  or  sinners  plac'd) 
'  Depart  ye  curs'd,'  or  '  come  ye  bless'd.* 
For  me  the  finiits  of  glorv  grow  ; 
Or  hell  awaits  my  fall  below. 

Eternal  God  !   what  shall  I  do  ? 
My  nature  trembles  at  the  view  ; 
My  deathless  soul  herself  surveys, 
With  joy,  and  terror,  and  amaze. 
O  be  thy  shield  around  me  spread, 
To  guard  the  spirit  thou  hast  made  I 
Save  me  from  snares  of  earth  and  hell, 
And  from  myself  preserve  me  well ; 
Lest  all  the  heavnly  truths  I  know, 
Should  aggravate  their  guilt  and  woe  ! 
Thy  power  in  weakness  is  display 'd, 
If  babes  b}''  thee  be  conq^'ors  made, 
If  Satan's  malice  shall  confound, 
And  heav'n  with  praises  shall  resound. 


FINIS. 


^ 


^i 


